Bao, a young boy who has been mesmerized by Lan for years, finally works up the courage to tell her the truth about her unloving betrothed, and profess his love to her. However, in her anger towards her betrothed, she lashes out at Bao. Desperate, he sets out on his own to find the river witch, who he hopes can erase his memory of the event and allow him to move on. However, his idea does not go as planned, and he ends up being cursed by the river witch. Can he rid himself of the curse before it is too late?
Overall, I feel that Song of the Crimson Flower was a solid read. At first, I had a hard time liking the characters, but as the story went on, they began to grow on me. I felt that the story line was pretty original, and, even though it is referred to as Rise of the Empress #2.5, I think it was able to stand on its own. Even though I have not read any other books in this series, I was still able to completely follow the story. Therefore, I feel that this story is worthy of a 4/5 star rating.
Overall, I feel that Song of the Crimson Flower was a solid read. At first, I had a hard time liking the characters, but as the story went on, they began to grow on me. I felt that the story line was pretty original, and, even though it is referred to as Rise of the Empress #2.5, I think it was able to stand on its own. Even though I have not read any other books in this series, I was still able to completely follow the story. Therefore, I feel that this story is worthy of a 4/5 star rating.